Impact of task-oriented training based on sodium hyaluronate therapy on kinesiophobia in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of task-oriented training (TOT) based on sodium hyaluronate therapy on kinesiophobia in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). 

Methodology: A total of 110 patients who underwent ACLR between January 2022 and January 2024 were randomly divided into a control group (n=55) and an observation group (n=55) using a random number table. The study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted from January 2022 to January 2024. All patients received sodium hyaluronate therapy. The control group received routine nursing care, while the observation group underwent TOT. The primary outcome measures included kinesiophobia scores (at rest and during activity), knee function scores (HSS scores) and pain scores (NRS scores) at one, three and six months postoperatively. Kinesiophobia scores (at rest and during activity) and knee function scores (HSS scores) at one, three and six months postoperatively were compared between the two groups. The study was approved by the hospital’s ethics committee (approval number: 2022-13). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0 with repeated measures ANOVA. 

Results: The observation group had significantly lower kinesiophobia scores and pain scores (at rest and during activity) than the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the HSS scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group at all follow-up time points (P<0.05). 

Conclusion: TOT combined with sodium hyaluronate therapy can reduce the incidence of kinesiophobia and functional impairment after ACLR, promote knee function recovery and improve patients’ quality of life.